Downtown Detroit Partnership names John Walsh president

Former state budget director John Walsh to lead day-to-day operations, public policy advocacy

Eric Larson to remain CEO of DDP

John Walsh

Former state representative and budget director John Walsh will become the Downtown Detroit Partnership's president, a newly created position that will involve daily operation of the placemaking organization and creating a new public policy voice for downtown businesses.

DDP CEO Eric Larson will remain at the top of the organization, focused on strategy and vision for operating public spaces downtown, while Walsh runs day-to-day operations and maps out advocacy on issues such as public transit and workforce development that affect downtown employers.

Walsh joins DDP after about a year as former Gov. Rick Snyder's budget director following three years as the governor's strategy director.

"As DDP has grown over the years in its role not only as a steward of the downtown core, but as an advocate and partner in the advancement of Detroit, adding senior leaders like John with deep relationships and knowledge of the State of Michigan and Detroit is an important part of our vision," Larson said in a statement

DDP has more than 100 employees and operates Campus Martius, Beacon Park and other downtown outdoor spaces.

Before becoming a top adviser to Snyder, Walsh represented Livonia for six years in the Michigan House of Representatives, where he was the speaker pro tempore for four years.

"While we don't intend to create a significant political policy shop, we will take advantage of my contacts over the years," Walsh told Crain's.

As a legislator and Snyder adviser, Walsh has been front and center on major issues affecting Detroit over the past six years.

In 2014, Walsh secured passage of the state's $195 million contribution to the "grand bargain" legislation that helped speed Detroit's bankruptcy restructuring and softened the financial blow for retirees.

As Snyder's strategist, Walsh worked on passage of the 2016 legislation that bailed out Detroit Public Schools and created a new debt-free school district.

Walsh also sponsored legislation that helped secure public financing for Little Caesars Arena, eased the development of the QLine streetcar on Woodward Avenue and a bill that let Wayne County residents facing tax foreclosure set up payments plans.

"I've spent a lot of time in the Legislature working on Detroit issues, and now I have this awesome opportunity to work on a city I think is healing but still has a long way to go," said Walsh, a corporate law attorney by trade.

Before leaving office, Snyder appointed Walsh to a four-year term on the Detroit Financial Review Commission, a panel that retains supervision of the finances of the city of Detroit and Detroit Public Schools Community District.

DDP on Tuesday also announced two other changes in its senior management:

Veteran public relations professional Laura Rodwan will become the Downtown Detroit Partnership's chief marketing officer in another newly created position.

David Cowan, director of public spaces and programming, will take over day-to-day management of the city's downtown parks and public spaces.

Cowan's expanded duties will free more time for DDP's Chief Planning and Public Spaces Officer, Robert Gregory, to spend more time working on new placemaking initiatives.

"If I can have David take more of the day-to-day, I'm going to focus on really expanding our involvement in best practices in both getting new information in from other parts of the world (and) also being able to share what we have around the world," Gregory told Crain's.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect that DDP does not operate Spirit Plaza.